Ten Hag: Win over Villa caps a brilliant week

Bruno Fernandes’s first-half goal was the difference at Old Trafford on Sunday as the Reds overcame one of our rivals for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

It came three days after the draw that kept Tottenham Hotspur at arm's length in the table and a week after the stirring Emirates FA Cup semi-final shootout win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Wembley.

Here are the key quotes from the manager's post-match interviews with MUTV, Sky Sports, BBC Sport, beIN Sports and from his press conference… 

AN IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE

"I'm really happy with the points but also with the performance. It was impressive against a Villa side who hadn’t lost in 10 games and scored in every game. We were really good on the ball in the first half – magnificent. We created some really good chances through Casemiro, [Marcus] Rashford, Fernandes and [Marcel] Sabitzer, and scored. And then, in the second half, you have to make it 2-0 and you don't make it. And in the end it's going to be tough but we saw again the determination of this team. 

"We have to keep going from game to game but I think this is a brilliant week for us. Before this week, I would have been happy with a point at Spurs. Of course, when you see the game and you are 2-0 up, you are a bit disappointed. But with this win, it’s a perfect week. So big credit to the team."

FATIGUE IS A MINDSET

"Tiredness is only in your head – it’s a mindset. When you think you are tired, you are tired. So don't think about it. We have to perform because, in May, you can't think you are tired because the finish is almost there. You have to be ready and prepared for every game – you need the energy and it’s a responsibility the team and the players have to take.

"It's about mentality and character and I think that is what we have seen today. First, good football and then, in the second half, we showed character, we were determined and passionate."

CENTRE-BACKS WERE FANTASTIC

"Victor is playing brilliantly, in and out of possession, defending in control but then in building up also he’s composed, with good positioning. Shaw likes to play centre-half – he’s a full-back but he's doing very well inside. You need co-operation because a back four with the midfield is always about communication, but they play very well together and we're happy with that. But always also I have to say it's about the whole team. They are so determined and passionate to win games in attack but also in defence, and that's what you need if you want to be successful."

A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH BRUNO

"It was another great game from Bruno. The plan from a tactical perspective was to play him from the right to get runs behind and to pass behind. And he did that very well with Rashy and Sabitzer. And so I think our plan worked very well.

"He’s a very good presser, he understands the moment when to close down, when to bring the opponent in trouble. He knows also when to run back, to track back, and to close passing lines to our opponents. So even if our press gets beat, he knows when to get back and then, of course, he can play in between the lines and give the pass or get behind the lines himself. So he has so many skills and it’s a pleasure to work with players like him."

A STRONG BOND WITH OUR FANS

"We really felt that the fans were behind us, so we have to focus to be successful because that is what the fans expect. They have to rely on us so we will focus on that. I’m sure when we give performances like we do all season, the fans are behind us and there is a lot of energy. There’s a really strong bond between the fans and the players."

WE MUSTN’T GET DISTRACTED

"We go from game to game. And so the next game is Brighton and you have to do the same, don't get distracted and not think too much about the table. I'm sure we are totally in control. It's all about us – it's in our hands. We have to bring the same, at the minimum, against Brighton, because we know it's a tough team from our experience in the semi-final and we have to go again."